If you come to Budapest, you should absolutely visit Gellért Hill. For years, the area around the Citadella was partly closed because of a massive renovation project, but after several years of work, the renovated Citadella and surrounding area finally reopened in the spring of 2026.
And yes — it was worth the wait.
The hilltop now feels cleaner, more spacious, more modern, and much more visitor-friendly than before. New walking paths, panoramic terraces, stairs, lighting, and renovated public spaces have completely changed the atmosphere at the top of the hill, while still preserving the historical feeling of the place.
And the view? Still one of the absolute best in Budapest.
From the top of Gellért Hill you can enjoy a fantastic panorama over the Danube and many of the most famous attractions in the city. On a clear day you can see the Hungarian Parliament, the Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Liberty Bridge, the Great Market Hall, and even Heroes’ Square far away in the distance.
The renewed Citadella and Liberty Statue
The Citadella was originally built between 1850 and 1854 by the Habsburgs, shortly after they had defeated the Hungarians in the 1848–1849 revolution. It was built as a clear message of power: “We are watching you.”
Not exactly a friendly postcard from Vienna.
Today, the fortress has a very different role. After the renovation, the Citadella area has become one of the most beautiful viewpoints and historical areas in Budapest.
The famous Liberty Statue still stands proudly on top of the hill. The statue shows a woman holding a palm branch above her head, and it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Budapest. It was originally raised in honor of the Soviet liberation of Hungary after World War II, but after the fall of communism, the inscription was changed. Today it commemorates all those who sacrificed their lives for Hungary’s freedom and independence.
What changed after the renovation?
The renovation made the area much easier and nicer to visit. You will now find:
- Brand new panoramic terraces
- Renovated stairways and walking paths
- Modern lighting
- New public spaces
- Safer and cleaner viewpoints
- New green areas and landscaping
- Better spots for taking photos
- A much more open and elegant atmosphere
The area around the Liberty Statue and the fortress now feels like a proper highlight of Budapest again, not just a “nice view if you manage to find your way through the construction fences” experience.
Is Gellért Hill free to visit?
Yes, most of Gellért Hill is completely free to visit.
You can walk around the hill, enjoy the viewpoints, take photos, admire the Liberty Statue, and enjoy the outdoor terraces without paying anything.
However, there is also a paid part inside the renovated Citadella. This is a modern exhibition and visitor area where you can learn more about the history of the Citadella, Gellért Hill, Budapest, and Hungary. It gives visitors a deeper understanding of why this hill has been so important throughout history.
So, in simple words:
- The outdoor areas, viewpoints, terraces, and Liberty Statue area are free
- The indoor exhibition inside the Citadella requires a ticket
That makes it easy to enjoy the best part of Gellért Hill even if you are traveling on a low budget. And if you love history, the paid exhibition is there as an extra bonus.
One of the best photo spots in Budapest
The view from Gellért Hill is on our list of the best views in Budapest, and that is not a coincidence.
If you have time, visit the hill twice: once during the day and once in the evening. During the daytime you can clearly see the bridges, churches, Parliament, and the Buda Castle area. In the evening, Budapest turns into a sparkling city of lights, and the Danube becomes even more magical.
Bring your camera. Or at least make sure your phone has battery. This is not the place where you want your mobile to die at 3%.
Food, drinks, and relaxing at the top
There are normally places near the main viewpoint where you can buy drinks, snacks, coffee, or something simple to eat. Sitting down with a cold drink or a coffee while looking out over Budapest is a pretty good reward after walking up the hill.
And yes, everything tastes better with a panoramic view.
How to get to Gellért Hill?
There are several ways to reach the top of Gellért Hill.
You can walk up from the Buda side of the Elisabeth Bridge, which is the white bridge. This is one of the most popular walking routes. It takes some energy, but the views along the way make it worth it.
You can also walk up from the area near the Gellért Thermal Bath and Liberty Bridge. This is a great option if you are already visiting the famous bath or walking along the Danube.
Other options include taking a taxi, joining a private guided tour, using a hop-on hop-off bus, or taking public transportation to a nearby stop and walking the final part.
There is also paid parking close to the top, but spaces can be limited, especially on busy days. If you arrive by car, be ready for the possibility that you might still need to walk a little.
Is the Gellért Hotel on the hill?
Many visitors wonder if the famous Gellért Hotel and the Gellért Thermal Bath are located on the hill itself.
They are not.
The Gellért Hotel and the Gellért Thermal Bath are located at the foot of Gellért Hill, on the Buda side of Liberty Bridge, the green bridge. The Citadella and the Liberty Statue are located at the top of the hill.
So, if you are standing outside the Gellért Bath and looking up, that is where you need to go.
Should you visit Gellért Hill?
Absolutely.
After the renovation, Gellért Hill has once again become one of the must-visit attractions in Budapest. The view is still spectacular, the area is much nicer than before, and the combination of history, fresh air, city views, and renovated public spaces makes it one of the best free experiences in the Hungarian capital.
If you only have a short time in Budapest, Gellért Hill should still be high on your list.
And if you have already visited Budapest before the renovation? Then you have a very good excuse to come back.
